BDC Launches “TIP-OFFS ANONYMOUS” Anti Fraud Hotline

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) officially launched the “Tip-Offs Anonymous Hotline” anti fraud line on Tuesday 29 April 2014. This is a tool that stakeholders, including customers and the public can use to report any unethical conduct at the Corporation.

Launching the line, BDC Managing Director, Mr Bashi Gaetsaloe, explained that whistle blowing will promote good corporate governance and ethical business conduct in line with the Corporation’s values. “Tip-Offs Anonymous supports an ethical workplace culture and empowers staff, customers and the public to report unethical behaviours and practices in a safe and confidential manner – free from the threat of victimisations and retribution.” he said.

The MD continued, “BDC’s Tip-Offs Anonymous service is available for stakeholders to use and report any cases of fraud, corruption, theft, abuse of property, harassment and any other workplace relate crimes. Too often, these crimes are undetected and go unreported, resulting in financial losses to organizations and eventually to the detriment of the tax payer. Tip- Offs Anonymous line is put in place as a deterrent to fraud and promotes a culture of zero tolerance towards these crimes.”

BDC’s Tip- Offs Anonymous line is managed by Deloitte Consulting – an independent third party. Brain Watts from Deloitte Consulting reported during his presentation at the launch that the highest detection method of fraud, theft and corruption is through tip-offs and it is in this regard that BDC has implemented this important tool to combat fraud.

The Tip-Offs Anonymous line complements BDC’s existing Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policies. The Whistle Blowing line is also part of the wider transformation exercise currently underway at BDC which aims to review all governance and risk management policies, processes and practices. This initiative will be reinforced with continuous training and education on upholding Business Ethics and Good Governance.

The Corporation’s spokesperson, Ms. Boitshwarelo Lebang said the hotline information is available on the public domain through various promotional interventions such as the Corporations’ promotional literature, newsletters, website and other platforms.